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One of the real delights of ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO is Craig Robinson; it’s his brand of humor that succinctly explains why this film is a delightful diversion and honorable entry in the View Askew canon.
It’s the mixture of actors who haven’t lived within Kevin Smith’s oeuvre that pump the much needed vitality and energy in order to make this picture more than just something limited to the characters and personas he’s used to creating. Without question a lot of the credit for what elevates the film has to go to Elizabeth Banks; it’s her bubbly effervescence, her commitment in playing a woman who would a) rock granny panties and b) allow herself to be ridiculed for doing so when she’s captured doing so on a cell phone and uploaded to YouTube but it’s also her natural charisma that make her an audience darling. We care about Miri’s plight, along with Zack’s, in her quest to find a way out of the abject poverty she and Zack finds themselves in. Banks just exudes the innocence that this whole film hinges on, Lord knows as an audience we would absolutely buy the premise that Seth Rogan would hump on cue in front of the camera, and it’s only through Smith’s writing we can believe the series of events that take this from just a clever idea, a one trick pony, and honestly morphs into a movie that is, perhaps, one of the best romantic comedies that has been released this year.
As well, moving towards the moment when our two broke losers figure porn is the only way out there is no denying that Justin Long not only has one of the most briefest moments in the film but is pivotal to pushing the narrative towards its logical next step. Long is outrageous as Brandon, the throaty emperor of gay porn, and the moment he has with Zack at Zack and Miri’s high school reunion is one that, if nothing else, give reason for Long to shed any trace of the twinkling boy next door we all know from his stints as the Apple pitch man.
The plot ripens in a way that isn’t reminiscent of Smith films, looking at this entry as you would any artist’s collection, as you won’t find long ruminations on pop culture, but Smith allows Banks and Rogen to develop a relationship with one another on screen instead of using them as conduits for his writing. These performers cement their believability as roommates and, more importantly, friends who have known each other for a long time and it works. It works to the film’s benefit as the two of them then become willing partners in a pornographic adventure that seems more to do with their relationship than it does with the excuse to have adult film stars flitting around making puerile jokes with one another. (And if that’s your bag there’s enough of that to go around so fear not.)
Robinson, Jason Mewes, Ricky Mabe, Jeff Anderson and the rest of the cast are well-placed in this film’s tableau as they’re not immediately front and center of this film’s action. This is Zack and Miri’s movie in more than one way. Neverminding the production of this porno and overlooking the amusing steps along the way as the movie is put to tape it is the penultimate moment when Zack and Miri come together, witticism intended, that this movie explodes. The way this scene is framed, shot and scored it makes you wonder if this was the moment Smith had thought of when he came up with the idea. It just feels like an earned moment and it certainly is the brightest spot of the film for me. He earned the right to take the film where it went and all self-effacements aside it just worked, clicked.
To talk about the intricacies of what takes this movie just beyond the making of the porno, the changed feelings Zack and Miri have for one another is just too easy not to see coming, would be a disservice to the film. In explaining comedy you almost have to give up the reason why it was funny in the first place and I’m not here to spoil the little surprises that pepper the film.
Rogan should be the one, however, to surprise everyone. From KNOCKED UP to SUPERBAD the guy, funny as he was, was funny because he needed to be. In this film he doesn’t try to be that guy; his performance was naturally compelling because it was the closest iteration to what someone in his position would do should they find themselves in the unique circumstances he does. You believe his antics and actions. His comedy here seems stripped down and proves why someone took notice of him while he was on Freaks and Geeks.
The film should be one of Smith’s centerpieces if for no other reason than this is one of the best examples that prove that he can make a movie that is filled with some of the most jolting moments this year, Dutch Rudder and constipation, that’s all I’m going to say, but marry it with a love story that is affective and tender. Too many times the criticisms about Smith’s inclusiveness with regard to his characters’ seemingly whip smart cadence is well-deserved. Here, though, Smith eschews it. It’s odd but liberating at the same time.
I’ve always wanted more of Smith’s belief in himself, that his writing can absolutely go beyond his ken and stable of familiar and safe characters, and this film is the one that feels and acts different. It’s Smith putting himself out there for all those who have been lobbing their sound bites at his feet, telling him to leave the View Askew universe for a bit, and the end result is great. Great not only from the point that his regulars are relegated to the background but that he put his trust in his actors to let them distill his script and relay it in the manner which has made them good at what they do.
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Now, it’s Halloween and that means it’s time for Ray Schillaci to break down my virtual door to bring his own brand of insight on this most hallowed of days…but before I get to him there is a little bit of custodial quick hits:
1. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. I saw this movie two nights ago and I have to tell you, honestly, no bullshit, this is one of the best films of 2008 that I have seen. While I am restricted and prohibited from saying anything more it is my honest wish that some of you put this film in your Must See queue. It’s beyond words for me at the moment but these next couple weeks will allow the film to replay and percolate in my mind as I craft a review. It damn near made me cry.
2. “Kyle Clifford”. Who is he? What is he? What does he want? I dunno but he just deserves a mention. Guy should put on a one man show. He’s the next Danny Gans, the next Carrot Top without the props, the next Louie Anderson but not as portly. It’s my solemn wish that this guy realize his potential and bring laughter to the masses. As it is, the guy warrants a little ink. WWRBD, indeed.
3. I made a mix tape. Remember when you made mix tapes in high school, maybe into college? Well, I was rapping to my man Thomas Stern and mentioned that this activity shouldn’t be limited to those in the younger grades as I remember getting my start in listening to some excellent bands from the trading of mix tapes. Since I can’t freely distribute this thing without getting hauled into federal court I will at least list the tracks for your perusal. I’m damn proud of this one and if anyone has a mix tape they would like to share I am always in the market for new music. Long live the mix tape:
1. Elvis is Everywhere – Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper
2. Sorry Again – Velocity Girl
3. Lights Out – Santogold
4. Heavyweight Champion Of The World – Reverend And The Makers
5. Bitches Aint Shit – Ben Folds
6. I Want It All – Dance Hall Crashers
7. Reid’s Situation – Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet
8. The Mayor of Simpleton – XTC
9. Lonesome – Regatta 69
10. White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes
11. Little Tiny Moustache – Stephen Lynch
12. *Hidden Track Within The Mix And Therefore Isn’t Hidden*
13. The Bigger the Figure – Louis Prima
14. The Audience Is Listening – Cut Chemist
15. Shower Science – Saint Etienne
16. My Little Suede Shoes – The Robustos
17. Into The Dark – Ben Lee
18. Some Rainy Sunday – Juliana Hatfield
19. Na Na Na – Theresa Andersson
20. Building Steam with a Grain of Salt – DJ Shadow
21. Unplayed Piano – Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan
22. Just Stay – Kevin Devine
4. Giveaway. Anyone who read this far and wants to be entered into a drawing for a free ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO one sheet just send me a note to Christopher_Stipp@Yahoo.com. Yahtzee!
5. Text Movie Club. This is a new site I write for on a regional basis, it’s out of Phoenix, and it’s creation is not why I’m including it today in my column. It’s due to this online social network that gets people into screenings early, gives them free shit and is a portal where people can go and just dish about movies. It’s as if Santa Claus and MySpace (not the part of it that sucks) had a baby and raised it to give away stuff nonstop. It’s an excellent concept to give fans of a film an early peek to movies that many of us have to wait until opening day to see and it seems to be branching off into other states as well. Give it a peek to see if it’s coming to a town near you. Who can deny the power of free films in this economy?
6. Get your ass out and vote. So many of you lazy asses will sit on them and not get a vote cast. Be it McCain or Obama it is my hope that every one of you who are able to cast a vote do so. Even if there is just one proposition you want to vote for (Proposition 102 for example, in Arizona, wants to make marriage only between a woman and man. I’m honestly disgusted to be in a state where these religious fundies think this is a good thing. 30 years from now we’re all going to be laughed at for this type of thing.) just do it. Lots of people, a long time ago, worked especially hard to make sure you could do it and it’s honestly something I love doing every year. Even if I’m not proud of what other countries think of us based on the retarded ape we have as a president now I still think it’s a civic duty we should embrace.
That said, go Obama…
And now, without any further ado, my main man, my Toucan Sam, you know his name isn’t quite Pam, Ray Schillaci…
Greatest Moments in Horror History
While other people pontificate about the greatest horror films this season, which I feel so many have missed the mark, I decided to deliver my choice of the greatest horror moments (in no particular order) in scary movies. Some are automatic gimmes, others are a little out of left field, but well worth checking out if out have missed the boat. All are available on DVD.
First the obvious:
Psycho – Janet Leigh takes her last shower and we end up flinching every time someone steps into a bathroom in anything remotely resembling a thriller.
Night of the Living Dead – It was bad enough that good ol’ George (Romero) was breaking taboos all over the place with a black hero and cannibalism, but he went and had a little girl (all of about 11 years old) die, come back to life and butcher her mommy before or very eyes. Sure it was black and white, but the visual chilled us to the bone.
Diabolique (the original French version) – My dad still remembers after all these years the corpse suddenly reappearing, slowly stepping out of the bathtub, white pupils exposed and heading towards his spouse. It scared the crap out of him and it gave me the willies as well when I first picked up the Criterion DVD.
The Exorcist – Sometimes it’s the subtle things that scare the shit out of us. Freidkin paced himself well, but nothing truly beat the eeriness of the sounds coming from the attic and Ellen Burstyn taking a lit candlestick and checking it out. What was she thinking!
Halloween – There is a one-two punch here; when Dr. Loomis arrives at the sanitarium in the pouring rain, finds the attendees taking a stroll and Michael Myers leaps up on the car from behind. More people had their blood pressure shoot up – and it only built from there – but the pinnacle for so many was when he rose from the couch. I remember being at the Americana Theaters in Van Nuys, CA and the continuous screaming that accompanied it. Horrific.
Now for something different:
The Omen (original) – Richard Donner was in rare form when he choreographed the graveyard scene that had people leaping from their theater seats and popcorn flying. This is a good reason to go out and get a PS3 to see and hear this testament to horror on blu-ray that would never be surpassed by its sequels or remake.
Alien – Talk about something eating at you. When that little bugger popped out of John Hurt’s chest, some people literally ran out into the lobby. Who would ever think they could find gothic horror in space.
The Shining – The Twins. Need I say more.
Friday the 13th – Before you toss out this opinion, think about the very first time you watched this and knew it was a low rate, who’s doing it with gallons of grand guignol to boot. When we though it was all over, Jason introduces himself in the most nerve-wracking way having some people screaming and crying through the credits. Of all the cheap jumping out bits this far surpassed “Carrie†or anything else in the cheap thrills department and it proved that at the box office with its continuous sequels. By the way, the beginning of Pt. 2 has a great jump-start as well.
SAW – the very ending made so many of us gasp in terror and leave us sleepless for several nights while spawning sequels (some that are too good for this kind of tawdry tale of the macabre) that may become as regular as Halloween.
Speaking of endings; “The Blair Witch Project†worked its weird magic into people’s minds and messed with us to no end after we ran into that building with all the small handprints and found you-know-who standing in the corner. Creeeepy.
Wait Until Dark – At one time it was thought that the last 10 minutes of this nifty thriller was nearly as harrowing as it gets with Alan Arkin as the slimiest scumbag on the planet.
Of course, Neil Marshall proved that wrong years later by frying our nerves with the last 50 minutes of “The Descentâ€. This could easily be labeled as one of the best horror films in the past 10 years. One claustrophobic scene after another accompanied by the feeling of being watched and not knowing what is around the corner. Oh, but when you do get around the corner what you find may cause an asthma attack.
And, finally the granddaddy of them all; Texas Chainsaw Massacre and TCM 2 – Tobe Hooper initiated us into believing what we were seeing when we saw so little. It was a great exercise in suggestive sinema. And, the scene when the first couple encounters Leatherface’s home is as uncomfortable and terrifying as it gets. Just when you thought he could do no more, Hooper followed up with a sequel that was as blood drenched as everybody thought the first one was. He knew he started something, and so many lesser directors had jumped on the gore wagon. But Hooper’s sequel was different from the beginning, laced with farce, gallows humor and an over-the-top performance, not to be missed, by a double chainsaw wielding Dennis Hopper. In fact Hooper matched the first encounter with Leatherface with a reintroduction in the sequel that has to be seen. Just writing about it will not do it justice. But I will say he uses the talents of Danny Elfman and his band Oingo Boingo to the max! Pipe this through your sound system and crank it up. You won’t be sorry.
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November 5th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Obama. Yes, he did. It is great to be a part of history…